RAMSBOTTOM United manager Lee Sculpher admits his side's injury-time defeat to Curzon Ashton on Monday was "gut-wrenching" after his side had enjoyed the better of the contest, writes Marc Higginson.

The player-boss said: "To lose 2-1 so late in the game, after being the better side for long periods, was gut-wrenching.

"If any team deserved to win, it was us. I don't say these things lightly but we were the better side.

"I think the first half was even and they went ahead through a mistake on our part but we upped the ante in the second half and would have won, with a bit more luck."

Sculpher was also at pains to single out individual performances. He said: "Steve MacDonald and Jason Jones were exceptional for us in the second half and really lifted the rest of the team with their performance.

"Jason still feels he"s not 100% fit but he has been magnificent since he joined us. He is an infectious character in the dressing room. He is loud, puts himself about, doesn"t shy away from a tackle and he has good feet."

Looking ahead to the weekend's clash at Congleton Town, Sculpher is under no illusions.

He said: "I think it will be a very tough game - possibly tougher than Monday's game.

"Congleton are always hard to beat on their own patch and they have been playing well.

"However, if we put in our second half performance against Curzon for the full 90, I don't think there is a team in the league who can live with us."

Anthony Johnson is a doubt for the weekend after he dislocated his shoulder against Curzon while Liam McManus is definitely unavilable. Stewart Cartridge is rated as 50/50 to return from his injury.